Former Bafana Bafana international Delron Buckley has hinted that his former club, Arminia Bielefeld, is considering building a football school in South Africa.
Buckley was this year appointed as the first-ever club ambassador to promote Arminia Bielefeld in the country.
The German club also has a partnership with Maritzburg United where they exchange training knowledge and ideas pertaining to youth development.
Arminia Bielefeld and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) teamed up for an outreach programme in Kagiso, Krugersdorp. They donated soccer kits and food hampers to learners at Tsholetsega Public School.
DELRON BUCKLEY IN SEARCH FOR A NEW STAR
Speaking on the sideline of the event, the 45-year-old revealed that the club was planning to build a football school.
“One thing they want to achieve is they want to put their emblem in South Africa. Wherever you go, wherever you walk around people must think about Arminia Bielefeld. Of course, if we find the next Delron Buckley or a Benni McCarthy Bielefeld will open up their arms,” he said.
“They will never say no, they will definitely have a look at a player. But looking for players is not the first priority of Bielefeld to take overseas. Their first priority is to close the gap here in South Africa regarding the coaching industry.
“These kids are being coached by their fathers, uncles, and cousins. The type of coach they get is not up to standard. I have seen it at the highest level when I was a coach at AmaZulu and Maritzburg United when players come to us and you have to teach a player how to trap the ball at the age of 18,” added Buckley.
NEW ARMINIA BIELEFELD FOOTBALL SCHOOL IN SA?
“What I have heard from a grapevine is they also want to have a soccer school called Bielefeld here in Johannesburg. This is where kids can have the opportunity to be in that school to participate.
“Maybe also get a scholarship to go to a decent school for an education. And to give a child with quality or a talented footballer a better life.”
Bielefeld were recently relegated to the German third division at the end of last season.
RELATED STORY: Former Bafana winger Delron Buckley lands big role with German outfit
